š·ļø Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 8 Series Model Code: E31 Years: 1989-1993 š Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Grand Tourer (GT) Target Audience: Affluent buyers seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology in a stylish coupe or convertible. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 928, Jaguar XJS, Ferrari 412. Key Features Design Philosophy: Aerodynamic, sleek, muscular styling with signature BMW kidney grille; focused on driver engagement and long-distance comfort. Platform: Exclusive E31 platform, shared no body panels with other BMW models of the era. Technological Advancements: Early adoption of traction control (ASC), adaptive suspension (EDC), and advanced onboard computers for its time. š Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive workshop repair procedures for all systems and components. Page Count Estimated Page Count: High, likely exceeding 1000 pages for full coverage. Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Instant Download), likely PDF š Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, emissions control. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul; clutch system; driveshafts; differentials. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS diagnostics and repair, parking brake. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system. Electrical Electronics: Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, alarm system, ECU diagnostics. Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, convertible top operation (if applicable), chassis components, corrosion protection. HVAC: Air conditioning system service and repair, heating system, climate control diagnostics. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad replacement. Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems. Rebuilds: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential rebuilds. Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system interpretation, ECU fault codes, sensor testing. Technical Depth Depth Level: Extremely high, covering basic maintenance to complete vehicle rebuilds and advanced diagnostics. Diagrams: Detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, and electrical schematics. š Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Searchable Text: Yes, typically high-quality PDF allowing text search. Image Resolution: High, ensuring clarity of diagrams and images. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) āļø Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: M60B30 Engine Type 1: 4.0L V8 SOHC (later M60B40) Displacement 1: 3.0L (2997 cc) and 4.0L (3982 cc) Horsepower 1: 218 hp (M60B30), 282 hp (M60B40) Torque 1: 214 lb-ft (M60B30), 295 lb-ft (M60B40) Secondary Engine Engine Code 2: M70B50 Engine Type 2: 5.0L V12 SOHC Displacement 2: 5.0L (4988 cc) Horsepower 2: 300 hp Torque 2: 332 lb-ft Performance 0 60 Mph V8: Approx. 6.5 seconds 0 60 Mph V12: Approx. 6.2 seconds Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Engine Construction Block Material: Aluminum (M60 V8), Aluminum (M70 V12) Head Material: Aluminum š§ Transmission Standard Transmission Type V8: 5-speed manual ( Getrag 280/5 ) Optional Transmission Type V8 Auto: 4-speed automatic ( ZF 4HP24 ) Transmission Type V12: 4-speed automatic ( ZF 4HP24 ) Features Manual Clutch: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch Automatic Shift Logic: Electronic control, driver-selectable modes (e.g., Sport) š Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm) Width: Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm) Height: Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm) Weights Curb Weight V8 Coupe: Approx. 3700 lbs (1678 kg) Curb Weight V12 Coupe: Approx. 4100 lbs (1860 kg) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120mm š”ļø Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited public data from the era; Ną°æą°ą°ą°æą°ą°¦ą°æ, but designed to meet European standards of the time. Active Features Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags became standard during the production run. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners Rollover Protection: Pop-up roll-over protection bars for convertible models (if applicable to the specific year/manual scope). š” Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Original BMW cassette/radio with CD changer option, often upgraded in modern times. Display Technology: Basic LCD displays for climate control and onboard computer. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Suspension Control: Electronic Damper Control (EDC) was an option, offering adjustable suspension damping. Connectivity Original Connectivity: Basic, with optional car phone integration. š§ Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, per BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or manual recommendation. Spark Plug Replacement Interval: Approximately 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, check specific engine variant. Coolant Flush Interval: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, depending on coolant...
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, convertible top operation (if applicable), chassis components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service and repair, heating system, climate control diagnostics.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Limited public data from the era; Ną°æą°ą°ą°æą°ą°¦ą°æ, but designed to meet European standards of the time.
Active Features
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags became standard during the production run.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll-over protection bars for convertible models (if applicable to the specific year/manual scope).
š” Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Original BMW cassette/radio with CD changer option, often upgraded in modern times.
Display Technology:
Basic LCD displays for climate control and onboard computer.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Suspension Control:
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) was an option, offering adjustable suspension damping.
Connectivity
Original Connectivity:
Basic, with optional car phone integration.
š§ Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, per BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or manual recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, check specific engine variant.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, depending on coolant type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic oil, e.g., SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity).
Engine Oil Capacity V8:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V12:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 liters (7.9 - 8.5 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ZF TE-ML 11B or approved equivalent (e.g., Dexron III based fluids can be problematic, use specific BMW or ZF fluid).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Issue 1:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) system failures on early M60 engines (prone to wear and solenoid issues).
Common Issue 2:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump).
Common Issue 3:
ABS/ASC system faults (sensor issues, control module failures).
Common Issue 4:
Electrical gremlins, particularly related to window regulators, door locks, and complex wiring harnesses.
Common Issue 5:
Interior wear and tear, especially on leather and dashboard components.
Common Issue 6:
Catalytic converter failure on M60/M70 engines.
š Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused, high-performance luxury vehicles, known for engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
No direct predecessor, created as a new flagship model for BMW's GT segment.
Successor:
8 Series (E63/E64) generation, and later the 8 Series (G15/G16).
Production
Production Period:
1989-1999 (E31 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing Plant, Germany
Production Volume Estimate:
Relatively low volume compared to mainstream models, around 30,600 units produced.
š Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While specific awards for this era are less documented, the 8 Series was lauded for its groundbreaking design and engineering by automotive press globally.
Ratings
Design Appreciation:
Widely recognized as one of the most beautiful BMW designs of the modern era, often cited for its timeless styling.
Een selectie kiezen resulteert in het geheel verversen van de pagina.